CONTRACTING MN

Minnesota General Contractor Licensing and Continuing Education Courses

Kickstart Your Contracting Career with Kaplan

 

Kaplan Real Estate Education’s mission is to help you start your residential contractor or remodeler career in Minnesota and to be your lifelong learning partner. To officially begin your new career, you need to pass the Minnesota residential contractor exam. Kaplan’s exam prep course, How to Pass the Minnesota Contractor Exam, is a path to success on exam day. 

Once you are a licensed residential contractor or remodeler, you must complete 14 hours of required continuing education every 2 years. As part of this 14-hour requirement, 1 hour of continuing education must be in business management and one hour must be related to energy codes or energy conservation measures that are applicable to residential buildings. 

You can fulfill your requirements with our library of continuing education courses, all approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. With our industry experts leading the way, we will help you break into Minnesota contracting and remodeling work and stay compliant.

Know the Licensing and Continuing Education Requirements for MN Residential General Contractors

Review Minnesota contractor requirements.

Read State Requirements

Minnesota Contractor License Exam Prep and Continuing Education Course Catalog
Filter by:
Licensing Exam Prep
Minnesota Contractor Licensing Exam Prep
Continuing Education
Minnesota Contractor CE Courses

How to Get a General Contractor License in Minnesota

Step 1: Register for the How to Pass the Minnesota Contractor Licensing Exam® Course*

To register, simply call Kaplan at 800-636-9517, or order online. 
*This course is not a prerequisite to take the MN Residential Contractor Exam.

Step 2: Register for Your Minnesota Residential Contractor Exam

The exam you will be registering for is the MN Residential Contractor Exam. See the About the Contractor License Exam page for more information.

Step 3: Attend How to Pass the Minnesota Contractor Licensing Exam Course

Professionals take How to Pass the Minnesota Contractor Licensing Exam course* for exam preparation because of our comprehensive, organized materials; our clear, concise instruction; our great classrooms; and our convenient scheduling.
*This course is not a prerequisite to take the MN Residential Contractor Exam.

Step 4: Take the Exam

Remember to bring two forms of ID (one must be a government-issued photo ID), and the confirmation number provided when test registration was made. You will not be allowed to bring your own copy of the International Residential Code into the exam with you; however, you will be provided with a copy of the book at the testing center.

Step 5: Apply for Your License

Your license application must include your exam results as well as proof of required insurance and applicable fees.

Why Kaplan?

While it can be difficult to keep track of all the requirements set by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, Kaplan offers what you need to get licensed and keep your license current. You can focus on your studies and trust Kaplan’s team of in-house regulatory experts to deliver professionally designed, state-approved courses. 

Offered in multiple formats, Kaplan’s contractor school makes it simple to find general contractor license classes and the continuing education you need how and when it works best for you. Enroll with Kaplan today to begin your career with the confidence you'll need to build a better tomorrow. 

Full Flexibility—Learning Options That Fit Your Schedule

Kaplan lets you choose from three engaging formats, all led by dynamic instructors whose goal it is to ensure the best learning experience possible. 

 

 

Live Classroom

Kick it old school in an actual classroom. Exclusive to contractor education, learn in person for exciting, live interaction with fellow students and expert instructors. 

 

 

Live Online

If you thrive in a traditional classroom setting but need more flexibility, look no further. Our live online courses feature the same great instructors and content direct from your computer, so you can interact with peers  from the comfort of your own home or office.

 

 

Online Video

Enjoy learning at your own pace with these pre-recorded, online video courses led by our charismatic instructors. You’ll be able to stop, pause, and resume your class as needed to complete your studies anywhere you have a reliable internet connection. 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions
For subcontracting, a license is not required for minor residential repairs. A specialty license is required for work in specialized trades, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and refrigeration.

To become a general contractor, you'll first need to consider an education in your chosen area of work — residential, commercial, remodel, renovation, supervisory, etc. After studying for and passing your state's general contractor licensing exam, you'll need to start gaining relative work experience. States typically have a minimum requirement for work experience to obtain a general contractor license — contact your state's licensing board for specific requirements.

Application and licensing fees to obtain a contractor license can vary from $25 to $400+ depending on the state and the type of contractor license you're pursuing.
A contractor provides labor or services on a construction project. Contractors work on projects involving alterations, repairs, and new builds to commercial and residential properties. Day-to-day tasks for contractors largely depend on their specialty.
To become a licensed contractor you must be 18 years old, work at least two to five years in the same trade you want to apply in, pass your trade's contractor exam, obtain liability insurance, and pay the application and licensing fees. Requirements vary by state and locality.

Career Resources